The newly-appointed governor said his office had started monitoring the performance of civil and military staff in all districts of the province to ensure good governance in Paktika.

In an exclusive interview with Pajhwok Afghan News, the governor said he would try to bring reforms to provincial departments. “I have started working to find out what residents need in terms of security, balanced developments, education, agriculture, etc.”

Public requirements would be shared with the president, CEO and relevant ministries, Matin said, urging residents to help him put an end to the current problems.

Militants could easily sneak into Paktika, sharing a long porous border with Pakistan, he acknowledged. But he added the security situation would get better if people supported the security forces.